Rep. Maloney named ‘frontline’ Democratic candidate

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has designated Rep. Sean Maloney of Cold Spring as one of the top 26 incumbents who will get help from the party in fending off Republican challenges in 2014.

Maloney will be part of the DCCC’s Frontline Program, which the party on Tuesday said will “lay the groundwork for the 2014 cycle by supporting and expanding their fundraising and outreach operations.’’

Lawmakers in the group must “meet aggressive fundraising goals, accelerate volunteer and recruitment efforts and increase their online networking,’’ the DCCC said.

Maloney unseated freshman Republican Rep. Nan Hayworth last November in the lower Hudson Valley’s 18thCongressional District covering Putnam and Orange counties and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties.

It was the most expensive congressional race in the state, with the two candidates and outside groups spending about $10.9 million, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Maloney was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

Republicans currently hold a 232-200 majority over Democrats in the House, with three vacant seats.

Two other New York Democrats – Reps. Dan Maffei of the Syracuse area and Bill Owes of Plattsburgh – also have been designated by the DCCC as priority candidates in need of protection.

Ian Prior, a spokesman for the Republican National Congressional Committee, said his group began an Internet campaign on Tuesday targeting Maloney and the other Frontline Democrats.

“The NRCC has made each of those races high-priority elections for 2014 when the president will not be at the top of the ticket,’’ Prior said in an email. “And candidates like Maloney, Owens and Maffei won’t be able to ride the top-of-the ticket coattails to razor-thin victories. Each of those individuals will have to win elections on the basis of their own merits, and we are confident that they will not be able to do so.’’